Ep 18. Occupation: Holland 1940 - 1944

The World At War season 1 episode 18, titled "Occupation: Holland 1940 - 1944," delves into the story of how German forces occupied and ruled the Netherlands during World War II. The episode begins by detailing the initial invasion in May 1940 and the seemingly easy victory for the Germans. However, it quickly becomes clear that the occupation was to be a brutal one, with terrible consequences for the Dutch people.

Viewers are presented with the story of how Dutch resistance fighters, despite being outnumbered and outgunned, attempted to disrupt the German occupation and provide hope to the Dutch people. The episode also looks at the response of the Dutch civilians to the occupation. Some collaborated with the Nazis, while others risked their lives to resist them. The plight of the Jewish population is also explored, with the Germans launching a brutal campaign to round up and deport Dutch Jews to concentration camps. We are provided with insights into the conditions the Jews lived in under German rule and the help that came in saving a few Jews.

In addition, the episode details the role of the Dutch government in exile, which was based in London during the occupation. Through interviews with key figures, we learn about the struggles they faced in securing support for the Dutch resistance and the challenges they encountered in attempting to help their countrymen. The effort exerted by the Dutch government also reveals the various ways other countries can be involved in conflict situations.

Overall, "Occupation: Holland 1940 - 1944" provides a comprehensive picture of the Dutch experience during World War II. It sets the scene of a brutal and oppressive occupation while highlighting the resilience and persistence of the Dutch people. Furthermore, it reminds us of the importance of resisting tyranny and the importance of standing up for what we believe in, even in the face of overwhelming odds.